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In the Bible we find stories of many miraculous works, from blind eyes being opened to the time when the ground swallowed a bunch of people alive. Many have tried to duplicate these mighty works, some by following God and others by evoking both angels and demons. However, I do not gauge their success or failure off of their ability to change circumstances in the physical realm. The true magic of the Bible is something entirely different.
From the beginning, we see God's desired involvement into human lives. I think that the focus of the Bible, the main purpose for the signs and wonders mentioned therein, is for the lessons God would teach us through the experience of them. IOW, God speaking to Man, teaching and guiding us in the way we should go, is what Christian magic is all about!
Bible believing Christians have already figured out the basics of this principle. God spoke, did stuff, and had it recorded and preserved in the collections of books we call the Bible. Those with a close relationship with Him will also testify that He continues to speak, and continues to "do stuff", all centered around their belief in the God of the Bible.
Unfortunately, much of the belief in the God of the Bible, is lost in the belief of Him as the God of ancient history. We have a religion built off of admiring the people He used to deal with and used to talk to, but don't dare to expect any of the same from Him ourselves. Many have asked, "Where is the God of Elijah?" I ask, "Where is the God of today?"
We need the God of Today to answer the tough questions we face. While the Bible tells us "Slaves obey your masters," and "Wives submit to your husbands," we really could use some clarification on what exactly does He expect of us in our completely different society that we live in today.
Has He left us? Are we abandoned to our own devices; expected to decipher His will from careful study of the book He gave us before He split town? I do not think so. In fact, I think the evidence shows that He is still around. Not only still around, but His methods of dealing with humans apparently hasn't changed much.
God still speaks to us. Many have found this to be true. Some hear His voice speak to them only through reading the written Word. Perhaps that is all they get from Him. Or perhaps that is all they have been taught to expect. But along with recommending itself by saying "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," the Bible also tells us that "God gave gifts to Man," such as apostles, prophets, and all the rest of the Gifts of the Spirit.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
God speaks. Signs and wonders followed the preaching of the Gospel. They also let the people of old know that the prophets' message was from God. The true magic, the true heart of God in the matter is the message. Learning how to be His messenger is my heart's desire. Listening for His voice is the foundation of my religion.
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